2012

Increasing Indigenous Leadership in Resources

The scholarship programme will help four Indigenous employees step into a managerial role allowing them to fully realise their potential.

Helping Indigenous people working in the resources sector take that next step into a managerial role is the focus of a scholarship program offered by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) in partnership with the Australian Institute of Management WA (AIM WA).

The scholarship program provides the opportunity for Indigenous people to undertake a nationally accredited Certificate IV in Frontline Management through AIM WA.

CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said the resources sector was proud of its commitment to Indigenous training and employment and encouraged CME member companies to nominate an Indigenous employee for the scholarship.

“The resources sector is proud to be the largest employer of Indigenous people, making up about 4.2 per cent of the sector’s workforce,” Mr Howard-Smith said.

“The scholarship programme will help four Indigenous employees step into a managerial role within the companies they are working for, allowing them to fully realise their potential.

“The program has been tailored specifically to meet the needs and learning styles of Indigenous managers and supervisors and there is a strong emphasis on mentoring and learning in a culturally appropriate environment.”

Mr Howard-Smith encouraged CME member companies to discuss this program with their Indigenous employees who are looking to further their career in the resources sector or formalise their skills with a nationally recognised qualification.

To be eligible a person must:

• Be of Indigenous descent

• Be currently employed in a team leader/supervisor/management role or seeking such a position

• Be currently employed by a CME member organisation (including mining, oil and gas or service providers)

• Have the support of their employer to take part in this CME initiative

The cut-off date for applications is Friday 9 November 2012. The four scholarships recipients will be selected by a committee of representatives from CME and AIM WA.